Kalamazoo's Winter a Pro in the Fall
July 19, 2012
Kalamazoo's Ron Winter has been part of just about every major event possible on a football field with more than four decades officiating high school, college and now National Football League games.
He can appreciate each level for what makes it special. And he's passed on those experiences and lessons galore to young officials and students at Western Michigan University.
Winter -- and MHSAA registered official the last 42 years -- was appointed earlier this month to serve a two-year term on the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports.
Click to read more about what he enjoys about each level of the game, and for his advice for young officials looking to join him at the highest level.
What's My Why: Official Stacey Swiatlowski
October 21, 2026
Stacey Swiatlowski, Ludington
Swiatlowski began officiating during the 1990-91 school year, jumping in with football, basketball, wrestling and baseball. Four years in, he added softball, and is now into his 37th as an MHSAA-registered official.
I’ve been a high school official in football, basketball, baseball, softball and wrestling for over 35 years. It’s a great way to stay in shape and stay in touch with sports, and with the kids today.
You get to develop friendships and have a positive impact on these kids that they will remember the rest of their lives.
“What’s My Why” is a weekly feature telling the stories of MHSAA-registered officials in their own words. If you’re an MHSAA official and would like to share your reason why, please submit a 15 to 45-second video, taken horizontally, to director of officials Sam Davis at [email protected].
What's My Why
Oct. 14: Joe Popiel, Spring Lake - Watch
Oct. 8: Shawn Ballor, Alpena - Watch
Oct. 1: Tim Erickson, Rockford - Watch
Sept. 23: Patricia Treman, Grand Rapids - Watch
Sept. 16: Tony Bertuca, Coloma - Watch
Sept 9: Jenna Schroeder, Berkley - Watch
Sept. 2: Joey Crawford, Newton Square, Pa. - Watch
Aug. 26: Ron Torbert, Hanover, Md. - Watch
Aug. 19: Kari Seitz, Mill Valley, Calif. - Watch
Aug. 13: Mike Pereira, Sacramento, Calif. - Watch
Aug. 5: Dino Paganelli, Wyoming - Watch
Aug. 3: Stacy Smith, Caledonia - Watch
July 22: Jason Nickleby, Lake Elmo, Minn. - Watch
July 15: Sam Davis, Lansing - Watch
July 9: Candace Cox, Quincy - Watch
July 1: Robert Williams, Redford - Watch
June 24: Will Godfrey, Jackson - Watch
June 19: Jarrett Skorup, Midland - Watch
June 12: Brady Driver, Sturgis - Watch
June 8: Cindy Tyzo, West Bloomfield - Watch
June 3: Jeff Spedoske, DeWitt - Watch
June 1: Mike Carrier, Commerce Township - Watch
May 27: Stan Wright, Warren - Watch
May 26: Murray Rose, Zeeland - Watch
May 22: Mike VanLaan, Alto - Watch
May 18: Clint Abbott, Newaygo - Watch